Hot Tub Things Bloghttp://blog.hottubthings.com
Just another WordPress siteFri, 07 Nov 2014 00:30:16 +0000en-UShourly1http://wordpress.org/?v=3.9.3Hot Tub Filters: How to Find the Right Onehttp://blog.hottubthings.com/11/07/hot-tub-filters-how-to-find-the-right-one
http://blog.hottubthings.com/11/07/hot-tub-filters-how-to-find-the-right-one#commentsFri, 07 Nov 2014 00:30:16 +0000http://blog.hottubthings.com/?p=928Read the full story]]>So you need a new hot tub filter, but you just checked online and it seems like the most daunting task. There are thousands of filters and they all seem to look the same. White pleated mesh stuff with blue plastic ends right? Aren’t they all the same? What’s with all the numbers and differences?

We’re here to tell you that all those options for hot tub filters are out there for a reason. Every single one is different, so don’t just guess and have to reorder the right one a second time. Take 20 minutes to measure your filter and find the correct one. Easier said than done, but with our guide you shouldn’t have too many issues. Let us break down how to find the proper filter on our website.

Step 1: Does is have a part number?

Check to see if your filter has a number on one of the ends. It usually either starts with a letter and then a series of numbers or is just a series of numbers. Whatever that number or code is, look it up on our website and see if anything comes up. Better yet, type that part number into our filter finder to see if anything shows up. If you get results, then measure your hot tub according to the following steps to make sure it all matches up.

Step 2: Identify the End Caps

If you couldn’t find a part number or our website didn’t come up with any results, then you’ll have to start breaking down the details. The first thing to do is identify the end caps. There are 10 different types of ends caps on our filter matrix for you to choose from: Open, open with slots, closed, SAE thread, male thread, male slip, castle, handle, cone, and loop handle. There are many more than 10 types of caps out there, but we chose these because they seem to be the most common ones that come up. If you see your two types of end caps on our filter matrix then go ahead and choose those two and move on to the next step. If you don’t see your end caps then you’ll have to move to the next step and enter your measurements. Below shows a variety of the types of ends caps possible.

Step 3: Measuring

It is best to measure the filter to the most exact measurements you can get. They can vary by eighths of an inch and that can make a difference in whether it will fit. The two major measurements for the filter are the height and the diameter. The height is measuring from end cap to end cap. The diameter is the length across the widest part of one end cap. Here is what that looks like:

If you can’t identify your hot tub filter by these two measurements and the end caps, then you might have to take other measurements too. Check for the inner diameter of the end cap if it is an open end cap or open thread. If you have a threaded end cap then you may even want to measure the size of the thread. Gather as much information as you can. Sometimes, if can be difficult to figure out what to measure so if you are still struggling then ask your local spa dealer to help you out.

Step 4: Try looking it up by manufacturer, model, and year

If you have the make, model, and year of your hot tub then you might be able to use that to look up what kind of hot tub filter you have. If you go to your local spa dealer you might be able to look through one of their filter books and locate your filter that way. If you look online at Filbur, Pleatco, or Unicel, sometimes they post replacement guides that have a catalogue of all their available filters. Do a find on the document with your spas information and see what it comes up with. Narrow down the results with your measurements you took previously.

Hope this helps you get started looking for the proper filter. You should always take measurements and be sure you’re getting the right filter before buying. If you have any questions about how to measure your filter or find the right one, our customer service agents would be happy to help you out.

]]>http://blog.hottubthings.com/11/07/hot-tub-filters-how-to-find-the-right-one/feed0The Latest Fall Hot Tub Industry Trendshttp://blog.hottubthings.com/10/31/the-latest-fall-hot-tub-industry-trends
http://blog.hottubthings.com/10/31/the-latest-fall-hot-tub-industry-trends#commentsFri, 31 Oct 2014 00:22:36 +0000http://blog.hottubthings.com/?p=921Read the full story]]>Are you looking to maximize your relaxation this fall and winter? Hot tub trends can change from season to season and year to year. Many of these accessories are essential all year round, but the fall and winter seasons make them extremely popular. Let’s take a look at six of the most popular hot tub trends for this fall:

Cover Lifters: Cover lifters have become an essential part of owning a hot tub. The most advanced ones we currently sell have gas shocks and make lifting your cover so easy you could do it with just a few fingers. A lot of hot tub dealers understand that cover lifters have become essential and include a nice lifter with the hot tub purchase. If you were lucky enough to have this, then you probably just need to take good care of the lifter so it lasts you many years of use. They can be removed and reinstalled on new covers, making it a no brainer to get a new cover when you need one.

Hot Tub Covers: Every fall, we notice the biggest trend is people buying new hot tub covers. A good functioning hot tub cover is essential to insulating your hot tub in the winter. Making sure your cover is in good condition will keep your electric bill down, and will save you money. Is it time for a new hot tub cover for you? Get geared and ready for winter now, before your old cover breaks and it’s too late!

303 Aerospace Protectant: This surface protectant is one of our favorites and is very popular in the winter months. 303 is a marine grade vinyl protectant that helps protect your hot tub cover from frost and weather damage. It also increases water repellence, increases dust repellence, and blocks against UV damage. Condition your cover with this every two weeks and your cover should hold up against winter.

Umbrellas: In fall and winter some of us can get snow and rain. Some people don’t mind it, but a lot of people like having the hot tub umbrella handy so soaking while it’s raining or snowing out is a no brainer. You and your guests can sit in the hot tub without the harsh elements hitting your face. Not to mention, this umbrella is a great accessory to transition into the spring and summer. Keep the beating sun off your face when weather warms up and still soak in the hot tub without getting too hot.

Floating Chemical Dispensers: The Spa Frog floating chemical dispenser system makes hot tub care really easy. The system is a combination of sanitizer and mineral sanitizer. You just set the cartridges to the sanitation level you’d like and then let it float in the water. It does the rest of the work for you! The only hot tub care you’ll have to maintain is pH, shock oxidizer, and clarifier. This floating chemical dispenser is one of our best selling items!

Skimmers: It’s fall and the leaves are falling. Skimmers could never be more handy. By the time your done soaking in your hot tub, a good amount of leaves could have fallen in. It’s better to remove the leaves right away, rather than having your filter catch them all. Leaving them in the tub can clog up the filter bay and filter quickly.

If you have any more interest in the latest hot tub trends, feel free to contact us! Our Hot Tub Things customer staff would be happy to help you find the perfect hot tub accessory, chemical, part and more.

]]>http://blog.hottubthings.com/10/31/the-latest-fall-hot-tub-industry-trends/feed0Winter is Coming…Is It Time for a New Hot Tub Cover?http://blog.hottubthings.com/10/21/winter-is-coming-is-it-time-for-a-new-hot-tub-cover
http://blog.hottubthings.com/10/21/winter-is-coming-is-it-time-for-a-new-hot-tub-cover#commentsTue, 21 Oct 2014 23:59:50 +0000http://blog.hottubthings.com/?p=912Read the full story]]>The long days of summer have past, and the weather is chilling down. Winter is coming, and there is something so wonderful about soaking in a hot tub with your body nice and warm, and your face in the brisk cold air. Some people think that running a hot tub in the winter is expensive, but that is a myth. There are plenty of ways to cut back costs to run your hot tub during those freezing months, but you might have to make a small investment.

In a cover, that is! Hot tub covers are essential to owning a hot tub all year round, but you’ll notice how especially money saving they can be during winter. Without a well functioning cover, your hot tub will constantly lose heat, thus constantly run your heater, and thus constantly spike your electric bill. No one wants that. All that money put toward that terrible bill in the winter could be invested in a cover that will last you years of enjoyment. Luckily, Hot Tub Things makes custom covers and we will make sure you get all the features you want. Not sure if you need a new cover? Look at this list and see how many apply to you:

Your cover is currently heavy or waterlogged

Your cover is cracking

Your cover is warped

You don’t have a cover

If you answered yes to any of the above 4 statements, then you definitely need a new hot tub cover. Unfortunately, a cover in very bad shape has no way of making a recovery. Your best option is to start new and make sure you take better care of it moving forward. So how do you know what type of cover to get? Hot Tub Things offers 6 different combinations of taper and foam density for covers. Here is how we break it down:

BASIC: This cover is great if you have an indoor spa. Besides this, you probably shouldn’t pick this spa cover. The lower foam density means it won’t stand up as well against a variety of climates. Although it’s the cheapest cover, it probably isn’t your best option.

STANDARD: This cover is a step up above the basic. It’s good if you have very little change in weather throughout the year. If you don’t get any snow or frost, you don’t have much extreme heat, and you don’t have many crazy storms, then this cover will probably cover you.

DELUXE: The deluxe cover is what most people choose, making it our most popular cover. This is great for moderate climates like we have here, in the Bay Area. We get all the seasons but not to great extremes.

GREEN: The green cover is our next step up in cover thickness. With a 5-3″ Taper, there is a lot more foam insulating the hot tub. If you are looking for something with just slightly better insulation than our most popular middle of the spectrum cover, this is a great option.

ULTRA: This cover is good for harsh climates. If you have pretty extreme weather, or a variety of humidity, dry heat, frost and cold etc then this cover is probably good for you. This cover should cover you for everything except snow.

PINNACLE: Our pinnacle cover is the most insulating cover we offer. This cover is good for any type of weather and any type of tub. We recommend this cover to customers who get snow on their cover throughout the winter. Even if you only get the occasional dump of snow, we still recommend this cover. The thicker taper and foam will help it stand up against the weight of snow and will help it withstand more extreme weather.

Hope this explanation helps clarify any questions you have about cover choices and which might be best for you. Remember that your investment in a good cover today will save you big bucks in the winter. Hurry and order a new cover before winter hits!

If you have any further questions regarding covers and our ordering process, feel free to contact us.

]]>http://blog.hottubthings.com/10/21/winter-is-coming-is-it-time-for-a-new-hot-tub-cover/feed0Caring for Your Spa with Hot Tub Things New Product Linehttp://blog.hottubthings.com/09/26/caring-for-your-spa-with-hot-tub-things-new-product-line
http://blog.hottubthings.com/09/26/caring-for-your-spa-with-hot-tub-things-new-product-line#commentsFri, 26 Sep 2014 23:05:04 +0000http://blog.hottubthings.com/?p=904Read the full story]]>The new line of Hot Tub Things products can help transform the way you take care of your hot tub. We’ve designed every product to be as easy as possible to use, with a color coded design that lets you know what type of product each one is.

All products with a:

Red logo: Sanitizers. These disinfect your hot tub and should be used at least once a week or after each spa use.

Yellow logo: As needed product. These products are only to be added when your hot tub needs a balance of chemistry. Whether thats the pH and alkalinity or you are having a foam issue, you can know that the yellow logo balances your spa.

Purple logo: Filling. These products are only used during the filling process.

Light Blue: Monthly product. These product are all cleaners that should be used at least once per month.

If Calcium levels are low, use Calcium Increaser to adjust the level until the test strip reads an appropriate level.

Lastly add sanitizer to your hot tub at least once per week or after you use your spa. Chlorine granules are the most common sanitizer, but sometime people prefer to use Bromine tablets.

Weekly & Monthly Products

There are certain products you should definitely use on a weekly basis. A small dose of Spa Clarifier every week will keep your water sparkling clear.

Always add Shock oxidizer to your hot tub on a weekly basis. Shock helps eliminate any organic matter from the hot tub, which helps keep the water clear and sparkling.

Don’t forget to clean your hot tub and all its parts! At least on a monthly basis, use our Surface and Cover Cleaner to wipe down and condition your cover, shell, and hot tub pillows. Doing this will help extend the life of the hot tub. Using a filter cleaner once per month is also ideal. The majority of hot tub service calls are due to dirty filters or filters that weren’t taken care of. Using a quick filter cleaner like our Instant cartridge cleaner can help keep the overall health of your hot tub better. This product is easy to use and requires spraying on, waiting about 10-15 minutes then just hosing it all off.

If you aren’t sure about whether or not you are willing to give our products a try, then look at our Starter Kit as an option. It will introduce you to most of our products and hopefully convince you that Hot Tub Things chemicals are the way to go! Hot Tub Things line of spa care products are an excellent value, quality, and easy to use system. If you have any questions about our new line of products, then feel free to contact our customer service!

]]>http://blog.hottubthings.com/09/26/caring-for-your-spa-with-hot-tub-things-new-product-line/feed0Hot Tub Time Machine: A Look at Hot Tub Historyhttp://blog.hottubthings.com/09/20/hot-tub-time-machine-a-look-at-hot-tub-history
http://blog.hottubthings.com/09/20/hot-tub-time-machine-a-look-at-hot-tub-history#commentsSat, 20 Sep 2014 01:01:25 +0000http://blog.hottubthings.com/?p=895Read the full story]]>Hot tub history can go back to ancient times. The modern hot tub we know with jets and filtration and lights, is far from the original hot tubs of history. Lets take a look at where it all began.

Egypt

The earliest known hot tubs were in Egypt in 2000 BC. These early hot tubs were known as calderas, where hot sizzling stones would be placed into a body of water to heat it.

Greece

The next record of hot baths being used is in Greece around 500 BC. Hippocrates (the father of medicine), Plato, and Homer all wrote about the therapeutic nature of hot water. From this we were able to tell that the Greeks appreciated and understood the “hot tub.” They liked these hot baths so much that they often held public gatherings around and in the baths. They were also inventive enough to build these around hot springs as a source of the hot water.

Romans

The Romans are well known for their use of baths. In fact, the town of Bath in England is centered around an ancient Roman bath. People would come from far and wide to use these baths and get cured by its hot healing waters. The hot water came from a natural spring in the ground and a large pool and several cleansing rooms would be built around it. They practiced a very extensive bathing process and were some of the first to understand the health benefits of cleansing back in 25 BC.

Japan and Asia

There are many hot springs in asia, especially in Japan. These hot springs have been used for thousands of years for their therapeutic properties. Public hot springs, known as Onsen in Japan, have become a well known part of the Japanese culture. In order to be considered an Onsen, the bath must contain at least 19 specific elements and minerals.

USA

The modern hot tub began in the United States. They began in the early 1900s in parts of California when people used old huge oak wine barrels as hot tubs. In 1950, the Jacuzzi brothers invent the very first hot tub jet. This was a small singe jet that you can place in a hot body of water to have hydrotherapy. What began as a small business grew and Roy Jacuzzi created the first self contained whirlpool bath. It was this jetted bath that started the whole hot tub industry. From the 1970s forward, the hot tub industry was revolutionized quickly. Tubs got larger, jets got better, acrylic shells were made, and hot tub controls put in place. Now we have all types of gadgets and features on hot tubs that would have never been imagined just 80 years ago. Needless to say, the hot tub industry grew and found success in the US, and then made an impact on the rest of the world thereafter.

Hot water therapy has been around since the beginning of time. It doesn’t take all this modern technology and innovation for people to understand how good it feels to soak in a bath of hot water. From natural hot springs to hot tubs, the industry has certainly found its way into this world. Remember to show your hot tub some love, as it took hard work and thousands of years for it to get the way it is today.

For all your hot tub needs shop www.hottubthings.com! Contact us if you have any questions on our products. We’d be happy to help you get anything hot tub that you need.

]]>http://blog.hottubthings.com/09/20/hot-tub-time-machine-a-look-at-hot-tub-history/feed0How to Maximize Energy Efficiency in Hot Tubshttp://blog.hottubthings.com/09/04/how-to-maximize-energy-efficiency-in-hot-tubs
http://blog.hottubthings.com/09/04/how-to-maximize-energy-efficiency-in-hot-tubs#commentsThu, 04 Sep 2014 19:52:00 +0000http://blog.hottubthings.com/?p=888Read the full story]]>Hot tubs are a great addition to the backyard, but like many large machines you can’t help but wonder how much energy it will use. If you are a current hot tub owner you probably already considered energy efficiency when making your purchase, but there is always more you can do to maximize the efficiency of your tub. If you are a prospective buyer for a hot tub, then you should know a little bit more about energy efficiency before making a purchase. The cheapest hot tub options seem alluring, but the cheap options often lack the energy efficiency you need to keep an electric bill down with a hot tub. If you go with the cheap option, the hiked price of your electric bill may completely cancel out the savings. Here is a break down of the factors in production and the after market factors that help maximize energy efficiency.

Control Panel Programs

Some brand’s control panels offer very specific programming capabilities that allow the user to have a schedule for the circulation, filtration, and heating cycle of the spa. Some of the settings can even be locked with a pass code thus only allowing people with your pass code to change the settings. Changing to the settings to meet your specific needs can be very helpful because not everyone uses the hot tub the same amount.

Full Foam Insulation and Special Insulation Wrap

The foam insulation surrounds all the plumbing in and around the hot tub shell. This type of insulation helps maintain water temperature by trapping heat inside the water, which can reduce heating costs. Some brands also offer special insulation wraps that fully surround the foam or shell so even less heat can escape. This additional wrap is not necessary, but it can reduce costs by multiple dollars.

LED Lighting

LED lights are extremely low cost and most manufacturers offer them. These lights are a low cost, long lasting, and an easy way to reduce even a little bit of your electric bill and maximize energy efficiency in the hot tub.

Energy Efficient Pumps & Circulation

An energy efficient pump can make all the difference in low cost hot tub operation. If the hot tub has a separate pump for circulation and jets, this is an optimal combination for energy savings. Although it may be more expensive in the up front costs, this style of pump will save you more energy and money in the long run.

Hot Tub Cover

This is probably the most important factor in keeping your hot tub energy efficient. A good, well-maintained cover will help you keep energy costs low for many years. Heat rises, and without a cover on a hot tub heat would escape extremely quickly. This would cause the heater element to work twice as hard to keep the spa temperature up, and this makes for an expensive bill. A hot tub cover always makes a good investment! Hot Tub Things offers custom made covers for any spa, so go to our easy to use cover application to start building your hot tub cover now!

Efficient Heating Element

A low watt density heating element made of energy conserving metal, like titanium, can help increase the thermal efficiency of the hot tub. This can save you energy and money!

Energy efficiency maximization is definitely an important factor to evaluate in hot tubs. It saves you money on your electric bill in the long run and helps you increase the overall energy efficiency of your home. If you are a current hot tub owner, consider replacing your pumps to something more energy friendly and adding a super insulating cover. If you are a prospective hot tub buyer, consider all the factors we’ve explained in your purchase of a hot tub. The best hot tubs don’t come cheap, but they will last you a long time and keep your electric bill to a minimum.

If you have any questions about how you can order a cover or add energy efficiency to your hot tub, feel free to contact us!

]]>http://blog.hottubthings.com/09/04/how-to-maximize-energy-efficiency-in-hot-tubs/feed0Decompress After a Workout With Hot Tub Therapyhttp://blog.hottubthings.com/08/21/decompress-after-a-workout-with-hot-tub-therapy
http://blog.hottubthings.com/08/21/decompress-after-a-workout-with-hot-tub-therapy#commentsThu, 21 Aug 2014 20:30:06 +0000http://blog.hottubthings.com/?p=882Read the full story]]>Ever feel sore the day or two after a long hard workout? Working out can put a lot of stress on the body, and its totally normal to feel sore afterwards. The real question is: how sore are you? And how long do you have to recover before you can do another workout like that? Well that depends on how you take care of yourself.

Flexibility helps keep our muscles, joints, and tissues moving smoothly and most efficiently. At peak efficiency our bodies needs to have a full range of motion while still being well held together. Our bodies need balance.

If you have inflammation after a workout, you may be wondering how heat is going to help. Our advice is to control the inflammation with icing for a little while before getting in the hot tub. Once the inflammation is controlled, then hot tub hydrotherapy can work its magic on your body.

The combination of heat, buoyancy, and massage is the ideal way to heal the body. It can reduce muscle spasms and stiffness in the joints. The heat helps release endorphins, and helps increase blood circulation to parts of the body that require healing. The warmth and buoyancy can also make the hot tub a good place to stretch and release the muscles. Buoyancy helps minimize pressure associated with weight and gravity on the joints and tissue which will also allows them more time to heal. Lastly the massage of the jets can work on releasing muscle knots, releasing tension, and getting into the deep muscle and tissue to loosen the body.

For people who are into health and fitness it is important to remember that in addition to building muscle and gaining strength, practicing flexibility and releasing the muscles is just as important. Being just as loose as strong can help reduce the probability of injury. Using the hot tub regularly in conjunction with your health and fitness regimen can help you heal faster and keep you in action more often. Besides, if famous athletes like Michael Phelps use hot tubs to heal, then it has to be doing something!

Make sure all your hot tub supplies are current so you can keep your hot tub in tip top shape. The better your maintain your hot tub, the more you get to use it!

]]>http://blog.hottubthings.com/08/21/decompress-after-a-workout-with-hot-tub-therapy/feed1How Safe is Natural Spa Care?http://blog.hottubthings.com/08/15/how-safe-is-natural-spa-care
http://blog.hottubthings.com/08/15/how-safe-is-natural-spa-care#commentsFri, 15 Aug 2014 00:49:22 +0000http://blog.hottubthings.com/?p=877Read the full story]]>Many hot tub owners are concerned about how the things they put in their hot tub affect them. Some people are just concerned with chlorine, some are concerned with all chemicals in general. There are a lot of different options for natural spa care, but that all depends on your definition of natural spa care. Most methods of natural spa care are safe, but if you don’t use any chemicals at all, you could run into complications. Let us break down what aspects of hot tub care are necessary to keep your hot tub in good health, and all your options for sticking to these rules.

1. pH & Alkalinity:pH and alkalinity are vital parts of of water chemistry. pH is the measure of acidity and basicity of water. Alkalinity measures how alkaline the water is, which is the water’s ability to neutralize acids. Every body of water has a pH and alkalinity. These basic measurements are important because any extreme of these measurements can have an effect on your skin. They also contribute to the effectiveness of sanitizer you use. No matter what hot tub care program you decide to use, you should always make an effect to maintain a balance of pH and alkalinity.

2. Sanitizer: There are many different types of sanitizers, but the two most common chemical sanitizers are chlorine and bromine. Sanitizers are important because they are responsible for killing all the bacteria in the water. If you are trying to avoid the use of chlorine, then you should note that most bromine sanitizers contain chlorine. For a true bromine sanitizer, check out the line of Brilliance products or make sure the bottle says 100% bromine.

If you don’t want to use bromine or chlorine, then you have a few other options that are safe. Leisure Time makes a line of chemicals called “Free” sanitizer system. The name “Free” refers to it’s bromine and chlorine free ingredients. This system works just as well as traditional sanitizers. Baqua Spa also makes a sanitation system similar to this one. Beyond these sanitizers, there isn’t much that will safely clean your hot tub. Hot water is a breeding ground for bacteria so it is extremely important to use a product that ensures the bacteria is killed.

3. Oxidizer: Some people think that using an oxidizer is the same as sanitation, but it is not. It does help keep your water clean and clear, but it does not truly eliminate any bacteria. Oxidation merely helps get rid of organic material, and keeps the water from becoming cloudy. This is still a very important chemical, because by eliminating buildup of organics the oxidizer prevents the hot tub system from clogging.

4. Other Options: To supplement a “natural” spa care system, you could also use mineral sanitizers. Mineral sanitizers are usually contained in a plastic container that you place in your filter or somewhere in the hot tub for 3-4 months at a time. It slowly sanitizes the water for that extended period of time. Even though the mineral sanitizer kills bacteria, it does not have the ability to fully sanitize the whole tub. When mineral sanitizers are used, you have to supplement with fractional doses of traditional sanitizers. This is often a good option for people because they only have to use a tiny bit of chlorine or bromine each time, and the small amount evaporated from the tub quickly.

Ozone & UV Sanitation Systems: Although these two systems are a little more expensive for sanitation, they could be worth the investment. Ozone and UV sanitation systems are the latest technology for hot tub sanitation. However, like mineral sanitizers we still recommend small doses of traditional sanitizer as a supplement.

So how safe is natural spa care? Depending on your definition of it, it can be very safe. Based on the information we’ve provided above, a more natural balance can be used while still keeping the water fully bacteria free. However, if you go for a method of sanitation that is more natural than the options we’ve suggested it is up to you to decide how safe it is.

If you have any questions about the natural spa care alternatives we offer, feel free to contact us at Hot Tub Things!

]]>http://blog.hottubthings.com/08/15/how-safe-is-natural-spa-care/feed0Hot Tubs Relieve Arthritic Painhttp://blog.hottubthings.com/08/07/hot-tubs-relieve-arthritic-pain
http://blog.hottubthings.com/08/07/hot-tubs-relieve-arthritic-pain#commentsThu, 07 Aug 2014 20:02:09 +0000http://blog.hottubthings.com/?p=874Read the full story]]>If you suffer from pain associated with arthritis then you’ve probably tried everything possible to help alleviate that pain. Arthritis can cause extremely painful pinching of nerves and can make it difficult to do something as simple as putting on your clothes. One of the oldest remedies for arthritis is hot water therapy. Even better, is hot tubs!

Here are a few ways hot tubs help relieve arthritis:

The heat increases circulation of blood while loosening the joints and muscles.

The buoyancy of the water helps relieve any pressure associated with body weight and gravity.

The massage of the jets can help loosen and relax muscles that have overcompensated for painful joints.

Without doing much, the hot water and massage of hot tubs can relieve a lot of pressure, pain, and stiffness. Someone who suffers from arthritis can also benefit from hot tubs by trying to increase mobility while in the water. If you need to increase your strength, then try different strengthening exercises while sitting on the edge of a hot tub seat. You can work your abs, legs, and arms in the water. If you suffer from back pain, then abdominal and core strength is extremely important to relieving pain. Check with your doctor before starting any exercise regimen, and ask what types of simple exercises you could do in the hot tub to strengthen.

Also try to do some stretching in the hot tub. Be gentle with your body because it will naturally be more limber in the warm water. Over stretching can damage the muscles and cause further pain. Again, make sure you consult a doctor before beginning stretching in the hot tub.

Getting in the warm water, using massage, stretching, and strengthening practices multiple times per week can really increase quality of life for people who suffer from arthritis, according to the Arthritis Foundation.

If you have any questions or need help with anything hot tub related, feel free to contact us!

]]>http://blog.hottubthings.com/08/07/hot-tubs-relieve-arthritic-pain/feed1The Dirty Truth: Public Hot Tubs Revealedhttp://blog.hottubthings.com/07/17/the-dirty-truth-public-hot-tubs-revealed
http://blog.hottubthings.com/07/17/the-dirty-truth-public-hot-tubs-revealed#commentsThu, 17 Jul 2014 00:37:15 +0000http://blog.hottubthings.com/?p=870Read the full story]]>Hot tubs can be great places for relaxation, visiting with friends and family, de-stressing, and healing the body. People love hot tubs for different reasons, but almost everyone will agree that when they see a hot tub they want to get in. You’ll see communal hot tubs in places like gyms, health facilities, apartment complexes, cruise ships, and hotels. If everyone knew exactly how filthy most hot tubs are, they would probably never touch the water. So whats the dirty truth?

Hot Tub Rash: This type of folliculitis you can catch from dirty hot tub water may change your perception of hot tubs forever. This rash first resembles an itchy rash that looks like red spots, then develops into red bumps all over, and can even cause red pus filled blisters around hair follicles.

Legionnaires Disease: This bacteria multiplies in water systems like hot tubs and can be caught when steam is breathed in. The disease can resemble the flu and for certain people, this disease can cause fatal, and hospitalizing issues.

Urine in the Hot Tub: Who knows who’s been using the public hot tub? Kids are more likely to do this, but since 1 in 4 people admit to peeing in a pool, you can imagine that a hot tub might have similar probability.

Sweat, Dead Skin and Hair, Lotions, and Makeup: These are common things that end up in hot tub water from hot tub users. The more hot tub users, the worse the concentration of these things. Not to mention, the dead organic material like this in the hot tub can reduce the efficiency of sanitizer chemicals.

Feces: Each person who uses the hot tub brings in a peanut sized amount of fecal matter on their body. Thats just disgusting. Need I say more?

The bacteria found in hot tubs thrives in the warmth and moisture associated with hot tubs. Sometimes even sanitizer can’t do enough to kill all the bacteria in public hot tubs. Because the bather load of public hot tubs is much higher, public hot tubs have a much higher probability of being a pool of bacteria and disease. The moral of this story? Don’t use public hot tubs!

It’s a good thing that most, if more likely all, of Hot Tub Things customers are shopping for personal hot tubs. Only you have control over how frequently the water is tested, cleaned, maintained, and changed. You can control who goes in your hot tub and how frequently. You can set the rules, and this makes the hot tub a lot more sanitary. A simple rule we like to follow is: always rinse off in the shower before getting in the hot tub. This will remove the dirt, sweat, lotions, and even fecal matter from your skin so you don’t contaminate the hot tub water. Simple rules like this can make a big difference.

Other tips to follow so your hot tub doesn’t end up like the filth that most public hot tubs are:

Chemical Maintenance: make sure you are testing the hot tub water at least twice a week! Make the appropriate additions of chemicals to the hot tub each time and you should be pretty bacteria free.

Change the filter: At least once per year, the filter should be replaced. The filter should also be cleaned at least once per month to ensure it continues working in peak condition. When the filter gets too clogged, it can’t collect all the organics in the water and the water can get dirty.

Drain and Refill: This process should be done every 4 months, approximately. This number depends on hot tub use, but the 4 month rule tends to work for most people.

Invest in Other Sanitizers: Mineral purifiers are constantly purifying the water, so when you aren’t using your hot tub it stays clean. This is the cheapest additional sanitizer you can use in your hot tub. More expensive water sanitizers are Ozone and UV Sanitation. The ozone system can be retrofitted in your hot tub if it doesn’t already include one, and this ozone will sanitize water every day for a portion of the day. UV sanitation has a similar effect. Usually water is filtered through a UV section which has a UV light on so that all the water that passes through the system leaves completely bacteria free.

For all your needs to keep your hot tub sanitary, check out out website Hot Tub Things! It’s your one stop shop for everything hot tub. Contact us if you have any questions or concerns about hot tub sanitation.